NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 58 owner complaints for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. Most complaints involve service brakes (11) and engine (9). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Pathfinder model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 225 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 113 |
| 2000 | 128 |
| 2001 | 239 |
| 2002 | 171 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1,050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 891 |
| 2014 | 575 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 107 |
| 2017 | 188 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2022 | 137 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 87 |
| 2025 | 58 |
| 2026 | 15 |
“I own a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder with approximately 12,800 miles. During inspection on 10/26/2026 at Nissan Riverside, the dealer found the rear brake pads had gone metal to metal — no brake pad material left — which caused damage to the rear rotors, requiring replacement of both pads and rotors. No dashboard warning light came but a grinding noise. The front brakes were still in good condition. The vehicle has not been used for towing or aggressive driving. Rear pads wearing completely through at 12,800 miles, while the front brakes remain serviceable, is not normal wear and indicates a defect in the rear brake system. This condition reduces braking effectiveness and increases stopping distance, a safety concern. I request NHTSA investigate premature rear brake wear on the 2025 Nissan Pathfinders.”
“The vehicle was in shop in March and April loosing power while driving. Had been good til a few weeks ago slowly started doing it again with codes and warning on dash could t duplicate I have pictures of dash . Picked up vehicle on Oct 21 returned on Oct 22 and they duplicated the car has now stalled when crossing lanes of traffic pulling out . I have asked for buy back but Nissan has said no .”
“My 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has experienced recurring transmission problems, including unexpectedly switching from Automatic Drive into Manual 1st Gear without driver input. During some incidents, the vehicle failed to accelerate as expected while entering traffic, creating a collision risk. XXX: While driving on XXX in [XXX], the transmission hesitated during acceleration at approximately 20 mph. Engine RPM exceeded 3,000 before shifting, with rough or delayed shifting. XXX: While stopped at a traffic light near [XXX], the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. The instrument cluster went blank except for a flashing Neutral indicator. I could not engage Drive until restarting the vehicle. XXX: While driving approximately 10–20 mph in [XXX], the vehicle unexpectedly switched from Automatic into Manual 1st Gear without driver input. I stopped and restored Automatic mode. XXX: While exiting a parking lot and merging into traffic in [XXX], the vehicle unexpectedly switched into Manual 1st Gear. It did not accelerate as expected, creating a near-collision situation. XXX While exiting a gas station driveway onto a main road, the vehicle again unexpectedly entered Manual 1st…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 390 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 379 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 400 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,800 | 418 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (11), engine (9), power train (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall.